Tame the learning curve by learning how to capture, organize, and process information efficiently

By capturing information, I’m not just talking about note-taking strategies or citation management tools, though these are important. You need a system for capturing to-dos and ideas as well. If you are a kinesthetic/visual learner like me, it’s worth having a notebook or planner with you at all times to jot down and capture thoughts. Software like Evernote, One Note, or Notability are amazing tools as well. Google Photo’s lens feature can help capture and digitize quotes, key passages in text, and even digitize your own writing. A lot of stress, distraction, and overwhelm comes from trying to capture information in your short-term memory. Learning to off-load information from your brain to digital tools will free up mental space to focus on who and what’s important.

Capturing the information is just the first step. If you lose the piece of paper or never go back to look at it, that piece of information is useless. You have to design a system for organizing AND processing information. By processing information, I mean reviewing, using, and connecting the information. This process filters the information that’s important, transfers it to your long-term memory, and integrates it with what you already know. Processing is the most important step, yet it’s the step that’s almost never explicitly taught. 

ToolsResources 

• Develop a method of capturing information that is always available to you. You can use any of the examples above, but the best strategy or tool will be unique to you. The most important thing is that you actually use it.
• Good note-taking strategies will not only help you capture important information, but will make information more useful and help long-term memory transfer. Learn about strategies like 3-column notes, focus notes, or Cornell notes. 
• Develop a strategy and routine to review and process information. The Growing Toward Planner can help (free). You can also learn about spaced-repetition tools like iDoRecall or Anki.
• Differentiate between to-dos, events, ideas, and information to study. These types of information may require different tools, strategies, and habits. Suggested tools include Todoist, Evernote, Notability (great for iPad and Apple Pencil)
• Read: Limitless, How to Be a Straight A student, Free to Focus, Master Your Workday Now